Geelong (15-2, 2nd) W52 Adel, L4 Ess, L8 WCE, W29 Bris, W62 Rich Business as usual for the Cats since their consecutive narrow defeats to the Bombers and Eagles three weeks ago. They had to work hard, and were assisted by injuries to key opponents, when overcoming Brisbane on the road with a big last quarter. But in holding Richmond to a single goal in the first half last week, they pleased coach Chris Scott, who felt the Cats had been leaking too many goals. That defensive tune-up got game-time into fringe dwellers Shannon Byrnes, Josh Cowan and Trent West whilst honing lynchpin Matthew Scarlett and emerging midfielder Mitch Duncan. The Cats have rested players, got games into potential back-ups, and most likely been adding intensity to their training regimes. And it has cost them only two losses. Whilst everything they are doing is about September, their ominously niggardly form against the Tigers doesn't bode well for visitors to Skilled Stadium.

Melbourne (6-1-8, 11th) L88 Coll, W89 Frem, W27 Rich, L64 WB, BYE, L54 HawThe Demons just don't convert half-chances, or stick their tackles against bigger, stronger teams. In games like last week's loss to Hawthorn, this can sometimes make watching Melbourne an odd experience - a lot of effort yielding little. The snappy ball movement is still in evidence on occasion, and if they are given space, the skilful Demons can perform some magic. But without strong marking options in attack, and enough classsy, hardened midfielders at the stoppages, they are too often trampled. Last week, the Demons chased Hawk tail for much of the afternoon, recording only 296 possessions compared to Hawthorn's 409.

HISTORY

Geelong has won its past six games against Melbourne, stretching back to 2007, by an average of 56 points. In the previous match between these sides, the Cats led by 21 points after 10 minutes, 22 points at the first break, and methodically increased its margin at every change. Joel Selwood had 35 touches and James Podsiadly booted five goals.

VERDICT

Melbourne's effort was not deficient against Hawthorn, but its execution was faulty. A similar output would lead to at least a nine-goal deficit against the Cats at Skilled Stadium. Melbourne needs more from ruckman Mark Jamar, who has now played four games since an injury lay-off, and its entire midfield. Last week, the keepings-off Hawks quelled Jordan Gysberts, Brent Moloney, Colin Sylvia and Jack Trengove, none of who racked up more than 20 touches. These ball-winners are up against a midfield this week that is just as skilled, and competitive as Hawthorn's, and names such as Joel Selwood, James Kelly, Jimmy Bartel and Joel Corey. Unless they show individual and collective improvement, and win more of the contested ball, Melbourne is in for another afternoon of pursuit.